Açaí contains concentrated levels of anthocyanins – a powerful family of antioxidants that assists in neutralizing the harmful effects free radicals can have on your body. Through a patent pending freeze-drying process, the leading brand in the prominent Acai juice market captures the vital nutrients found in this delicate fruit. The Acai berry’s freeze-dried açaí powder boasts an ORAC score higher than any other fruit or vegetable tested to date, on a gram-for-gram basis. A recent study by AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc. who conduct many research papers and studies of natural and medicinal products found the following: In summary, the leading juice's has not only shown experimentally to increase antioxidant activity in human serum, leading to a decrease in lipid peroxidation in the blood stream, but there is also evidence that this particular juice that has gluocosamine added provided antioxidants that are able to penetrate cells. This study confirms that by drinking four ounces of the blended Brazilian açaí berry juice, the subjects had a significant increase in their antioxidant capacity and inhibition in lipid peroxidation, which reduces the risk of cholesterol being oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol has been shown to contribute to damage to the internal lining of the arteries. Complete and final results of this study were expected to be published in scientific literature in 2008.

 

The Health Benefits of Açaí

What will eating Açaí do for me?

The nutrients in Açaí can help to keep us in excellent health:

• Maintain the healthy function of bodily systems and organs
• Increase energy, libido and stamina
• Promote healthy, glowing skin and hair
• Promote healthy sleep
• Support our immune system
• Act as a powerful anti-inflammatory
• Help reduce pain and soreness

• Help rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit
  

How can Açaí help with all these health issues?

It has now been so widely acclaimed that the Açaí is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. While there are many nutrients in the Açaí berry, clearly the antioxidants are the major reason for the health benefits of Açaí.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated studies to look at the link between antioxidant rich food and aging. Here are some direct quotes from the USDA website -

"Studies at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high-ORAC value may help slow the aging process in both body and brain."

Ronald L. Prior, the researcher for the USDA study went on to suggest that "the ORAC measure may help define the dietary conditions needed to prevent tissue damage."

"Science has long held that damage by oxygen free radicals is behind many of the maladies that come with aging, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. There's firm evidence that a high intake of fruits and vegetables reduces risk of cancer and that a low intake raises risk. And recent evidence suggests that diminished brain function associated with aging and disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases may be due to increased vulnerability to free radicals, says Joseph, a neuroscientist. "

- "Can Foods Forestall Aging?" published in the February 1999 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

It is clear that the potential health benefits of eating high ORAC value foods should not be underestimated.

Doesn't Açaí cure all?

Admittedly this question is a little tongue-in-cheek, but if you read through some of the websites it sure seems like Açaí is a miracle food. While other sites will talk about how Açaí is a miracle fruit that cures every known ailment - we would never say that. There are no miracle cures - period.

 If you want to stay healthy and feel energetic and young the key is a good diet and exercise. It is true that when it comes to eating a good diet - you really can do no better than starting with a healthy portion of Açaí. However, we would never give false hope by claiming that Açaí alone is the cure to any disease.

I have heard that Açaí kills cancer cells?

A University of Florida study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry on Jan 12. 2006 found that Açaí berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested in vitro. While we consider this study a promising start, it is important to understand that the Açaí killed cultured cancer cells in a test tube - this is very different than killing cancer in the human body. Obviously, much more research needs to be done before anyone could make any cancer claims regarding Açaí in the human body.

Summary:

It is clear that eating foods with high ORAC values have numerous health benefits. Açaí is one of the highest ORAC value foods. While there are no miracles, Açaí is an incredibly healthy food that can help you maintain healthy bodily functions across the board.